Colleen Kirk Award

In recognition of the outstanding achievements and contributions to ACDA and choral music education made by Colleen Kirk throughout her long and distinguished career, the Colleen Kirk Award is established to promote the ideals and standards represented by her life and work. Contributions to this fund are ongoing. I encourage you to contribute by contacting the ACDA National Headquarters.

The award is presented to new and aspiring choral conductors who are members of ACDA, in support of their attendance at division or national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association. Choral music teachers in their first three years of full-time pre-collegiate teaching will be eligible. The award will support a goal articulated at the National Leadership conference in August of 2001 that ACDA provide support and mentoring for aspiring and new teachers in choral music education.

Submit this application form, a one-page letter stating your goals in attending the conference, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, colleague, or administrator (include phone number and email address in recommendation for verification).

Recipients of the award will submit a report to the division president within one year, following receipt of the award. Availability of funds will determine the number and amount of the awards presented annually.

Applications should be submitted to the President-Elect of the Southern Division by 11:59 pm, October 26th of every odd numbered year (i.e., 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, etc...). A selection committee will be appointed which will include the Division President-Elect and other state/division officers. All applicants will be notified of the decision by November 15 of the same year.

2018 Recipient

Caroline Morse is the Choral Director at Warhill High School in Williamsburg, VA. Throughout her two years of teaching, she as created performance opportunities for her students at Disney World, Atlanta (GA), William and Mary, the Williamsburg -James City County School Board, WTKR News Channel 3, and Kings Dominion. Her Honors Choir received superior ratings at their District Assessment this past year.

Caroline graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors from James Madison University where she received her degree in Music Education. During her time at JMU, Caroline served as Choral Librarian, Treasurer for the ACDA collegiate chapter, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. She is also a core alto singer with both the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and Virginia Chorale.